# Seven in ten say political violence is never justified

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/politics/seven-in-ten-say-political-violence-is-never-justified/

> Indexed question in Politics.

## Reading

Most Americans (71%) say political violence is never justified under any circumstances, according to a Verasight survey conducted Sept. 22-29, 2025.

Roughly a quarter (23%) say it can be justified to defend the country. Fewer than one-in-ten point to supporting a broad political movement (5%), a political party (4%), or promoting a candidate (4%).

## Topline

Under what circumstances is political violence justified?

Seven in ten say political violence is never justified.

- Never: 70.6%
- To defend the country: 22.6%
- To support a broad political movement: 5.2%
- To support a political party: 3.8%
- To promote a political candidate: 3.5%

## Methodology

- Mode: Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
- Population: US adults age 18+
- Field dates: 2025-09-22 → 2025-09-29
- Base (unweighted): 1,000
- Margin of error: +/- 3.3%
- Module: Verasight APSA Omnibus Survey #2025-119
- Sponsor: Verasight
- Weight variable: weight
- Weighting targets: age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/apsa-2025#justifications-for-political-violence](https://reports.verasight.io/r/apsa-2025#justifications-for-political-violence)

## Citation

Verasight APSA Omnibus Survey #2025-119, fielded September 22-29, 2025, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/apsa-2025#justifications-for-political-violence](https://reports.verasight.io/r/apsa-2025#justifications-for-political-violence)